Fungitell, CSF
Use
The Fungitell Beta-D Glucan assay is indicated for the presumptive diagnosis of invasive fungal disease by detecting elevated levels of (1,3)-Beta-D-glucan in CSF. This beta-glucan is sloughed off from the cell walls of various pathogenic fungi, and elevated levels in CSF can serve as a surrogate marker for invasive fungal infections. The assay detects Beta-D-glucan from pathogens like Candida, Aspergillus, and Coccidioides, providing crucial data for diagnosing and managing fungal meningitis and other invasive fungal diseases.
Special Instructions
The implementation of the Fungitell assay requires coordination with the Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm. Specimens must be collected in a sterile environment to prevent contamination, and are to be shipped frozen to maintain the integrity of the sample. Detailed procedures are provided in the Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm PDF.
Limitations
The Fungitell assay does not detect certain fungal species, such as the genus Cryptococcus, Zygomycetes (like Mucor and Rhizopus), and it has limited detection capability for Blastomyces dermatitidis due to low levels of beta-glucan production in these fungi. Furthermore, there are no established criteria for interpreting results from CSF, and the performance characteristics in CSF have been evaluated by Eurofins Viracor. Reference ranges are not available for CSF.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) Pathway)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 95072-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
Collect 1-3 mL of spinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile container. Ship 2 mL frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Mild and gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |